He said: "Snack foods - unhealthy stuff on a red plate - you end up eating a little bit less because it's that red colour on a plate where it seems to trigger some sort of danger or avoidance signal.

Most products have moved to Red 40, a "healthier alternative," but artificial dyes are still a problem because they are usually found in already unhealthy foods. "They're foods that are high in ...

For decades, FD&C Red No. 3 has added its vivid cherry-red hue to candies and cupcakes—but its risks have been debated just as long.